From host Chris Rock tackling the #OscarsSoWhite controversy over the lack of black nominees to actor Leonardo DiCaprio reuniting with Titanic co-star Kate Winslet, the drama was not just confined to the Oscars stage.

Here are seven standout moments.

1. Host Chris Rock's opening monologue

Host Chris Rock entertaining the audience on stage. PHOTO: AFP

The advice for Rock prior to the show was to "address the elephant in the room", and boy, did the comedian nail it.

In what has already been described as one of the best opening speeches at the Oscars, Rock - who last hosted the glitzy ceremony in 2005 - was funny, frank and edgy all at the same time as he aimed perfectly-timed jabs straight into the eye of the #OscarsSoWhite storm.

4. Mad Max dominates

Post apocalyptic film Mad Max: Fury Road's electrifying chase sequences, starring Charlize Theron, was the big winner, scooping up six Oscars in the technical categories: Costume Design, Production Design, Makeup and Hairstyling, Editing, Sound Editing, as well as Sound Mixing.

The Revenant came in second with three - Best Director, Best Actor and Best Cinematography.

5. Sixth time's the charm for Leo

Leonardo DiCaprio accepting his Best Actor Oscar on stage. PHOTO: AFP

Having fallen short on his previous five Oscar nominations - four for acting and one for producing - DiCaprio finally got his overdue reward for his role as a 19th century fur trapper in Alejandro Inarritu's The Revenant.

7. Plunging necklines and camera-ready pouts

As usual, the ladies were at their bedazzling best as they seized the spotlight on the world's most watched stretch of red carpet.

Actresses clad in luxurious gowns, glittering sequins, and daring necklines strutted and twirled their way into the ceremony; standouts included Alicia Vikander in a pale yellow Louis Vuitton gown adorned with silver paillettes and Brie Larson in a royal blue silk Gucci with cascading ruffles - fitting attire as they ascended the stage to claim their respective Best Actress awards.

Repeat telecasts of the 88th Annual Academy Awards will air on HBO (StarHub TV Channel 601) on March 2 (9pm), March 4 (10.30pm) and March 6 (4pm).

The Straits Times

We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Until we resolve the issues, subscribers need not log in to access ST Digital articles. But a log-in is still required for our PDFs.